Chapter 131: The Fruit Pit

Red Cloud observed the other's expression with a hint of surprise in his heart. Naturally, he could sense the profound aura now enveloping the Ancient King Pan. Such a great gain in a brief moment was not something any miraculous elixir could rival. With this understanding, he deliberately probed, asking, "Have you succeeded?"

"Of course," came the reply. "I am grateful to you, fellow Daoist."

The once proud and rebellious Ancient King Pan softened somewhat and gave Red Cloud a slight bow. "From the moment I began preparations until now, I have spent tens of thousands of years in this place. To reap such rewards in a single day feels truly complete."

Seeing this, Red Cloud could tell the sincerity in his words. It was difficult to evade such earnestness, so he calmly returned the gesture. After exchanging a few polite words, the two departed swiftly, unwilling to linger.

This place was deep within the primordial wilderness, thick with miasma and corruption. Only those specialized in this path could endure here; prolonged stays brought nothing but harm.

Throughout the journey, Red Cloud remained silent, waiting patiently for the promised "reward." Since the other had already made a vow, he was not afraid of any breach of trust.

...

As their light flickered and shifted, they finally emerged from the massive fissure. For some reason, when Red Cloud peered back inside, the sensation was unlike before.

It seemed there were other places in the world akin to this one. Yet, despite countless years wandering the primordial chaos, the Ancient King Pan had never encountered such a realm.

Standing firm on the edge of the rift, the Ancient King Pan was clearly in good spirits. Seeing Red Cloud still gazing into the depths, he assumed the other was also seeking opportunities here. After a brief calculation, he smiled and said, "It is nearly five thousand years until the Sage's teachings begin. We have emerged earlier than expected. Why not first visit my Pan King Cave for a while, then proceed to the Purple Cloud Palace?"

Hearing this invitation, Red Cloud understood the other wished to share some insights about the strength of Southern Yan Floating Land. Though tempted, he smiled and shook his head, pointing deeper into the rift: "While I greatly admire your Pan King Cave, I cannot leave this time. I have an appointment with Dao Brother Zhen Yuanzi here to wait together. Having emerged first, I must not break my word."

The Ancient King Pan was momentarily taken aback but needed no calculation to envision the scene where Red Cloud and Zhen Yuanzi had made their pact. After some thought, he devised a plan. Raising his hand, a long serpentine python appeared, coiling and twisting until it transformed into a palace inscribed with "Pan King Palace," radiating a unique aura.

"Dao Brother Zhen Yuanzi, you say? We first met at the Purple Cloud Palace. I never expected to encounter him here as well. Then I shall wait alongside you both," he said cheerfully.

In high spirits, his tone toward Red Cloud had softened considerably.

"Why not enter my Pan King Palace first? I have poured much effort into this creation."

"Since you, Dao Brother Pan King, invite me, I accept with gratitude," Red Cloud replied.

Gazing at the palace, Red Cloud immediately discerned its extraordinary nature: a monstrous python of the demonic domain had been cultivated with toxic arts to nearly late Da Luo level. Then, employing the qilin as a formation, the serpent’s spirit was woven into the great array’s soul, its innate divine powers transformed into the palace itself.

If mobilized, its speed and attack would be formidable indeed.

The two entered the palace, and the serpent’s eyes slowly closed. The disturbance was considerable, attracting many lesser cultivators nearby, but after merely a glance, they fled in terror, unwilling to approach further.

...

Once seated within the palace, the surroundings shifted at will. Without further delay, the Ancient King Pan produced a withered fruit core, mentally sending it before Red Cloud.

"This is the reward I give you, fellow Daoist. Should you inquire, I will speak openly and thoroughly."

Red Cloud was astonished at such generosity. Taking the fruit core in hand, he examined it carefully but found nothing amiss and carefully stored it.

After pondering, he finally spoke, "I wish to ask you about the Southern Yan Floating Land."

The Ancient King Pan’s expression remained unchanged, though he clearly understood the question’s intent.

After careful consideration, he asked, "Do you recall the Ten Spiritual Roots of the Primordial World?"

The Ten Spiritual Roots of the Primordial World?

Could this fellow know I possess the Bitter Bamboo and the Gourd Seeds?

Red Cloud’s heart tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm as he answered directly, "The ten innate spiritual roots, known even among the Da Luo: Green Lotus, Pan Peach, Ginseng Fruit, Green Willow, Bitter Bamboo, Gourd Vine, Fusang, Moon Laurel, Immortal Yellow Tree, nine are known, the tenth remains hidden..."

Upon finishing, Red Cloud naturally paused, looking at the other with a trace of surprise in his eyes.

"Could it be..."

"Indeed, it is so," the Ancient King Pan chuckled confidently. Seeing a Da Luo Golden Immortal stronger in cultivation, renown, and background than himself show such reaction pleased him greatly.

After smiling, he raised his hand, scattering spiritual energy to form a protective barrier around the palace, and solemnly said, "Among these Ten Spiritual Roots, the Green Lotus is undoubtedly first. The rest, in my view, are not to be taken too seriously. Each root has its unique use—who can say for certain?

If I were to rank truly first, I would say it is the Southern Yan Floating Land itself."

Red Cloud hesitated to contradict. After all, the sheer size of Southern Yan Floating Land was said to cover an entire continent of the primordial world—such a concept was almost unimaginable.

"Southern Yan Floating Land existed before the primordial world fully opened and was not counted among the spiritual roots, was it?"

"Since the tenth is hidden, it cannot be verified. Perhaps only the current Sage knows. To me, the tenth is but a phantom number. If such a World Tree still exists, even the transcended Green Willow might be comparable."

Green Willow... Daoist Yang Mei... a fleeting thought crossed Red Cloud’s mind, quickly suppressed with solemnity: one must not presume to know the Sage's realm or methods lest the other suspect him.

But this Southern Yan Floating Land...

The Ancient King Pan was well aware of these matters, abruptly ending that line of thought and steering the conversation anew:

"You know a bit about me, but not of my deep connection with Southern Yan Floating Land. The fruit core I gave you appears ordinary now, but with your own Dao power, you will perceive all the realms it has traversed—from its birth to its fall.

Of course, Southern Yan Floating Land bears thirty million such fruits, which transform into thirty million star rivers. If you have the ability, you could even restore the fruit core into a star river!"